Leaf shedding on otherwise healthy (I think) plant

[diaphainein]

Hi everyone!

I need some help. I have this orchid I got from a co-worker, who was going to throw it out because it had stopped blooming. I have no idea what kind it is.

On Friday night (February 18th), all its leaves fell off. Nice, green, healthy leaves, with no yellowing or other discoloration. They just (literally) shot off the plant--I found them a few feet from where I keep it (on my mantle where it gets a good amount of sun--I face North/South and all I get is indirect light).

I usually water about once a week and check the substrate for dryness before I do. This guy was quite moist when I removed it from the soil (today just a few moments ago) and the areas where the leaves were are now black.

Have I killed it? I live in Dallas, Texas, and we've had some weird weather lately. In the past two weeks it has snowed for four days straight followed by a week of 70-80 degree weather and now it's back in the upper 40's. I try to keep the temperature in my apartment fairly consistent, and keep my thermostat at about 72 degrees.

Please let me know if there is anything I can do to save it. This is the first orchid I've actually done well with.

I brought photos to help, too.







(what are these shoot thingies I'm pointing to?)

[en3rmax]

Hi there and welcome to OB,

I'm afraid it's not good news. the type of orchid you have there is a phalaenopsis and the potting mix is very wet and has rotted the roots. if the roots rot plant can't get water to the leaves and they drop off over time.

What you are pointing to is one of the orchids aerial roots that grew out of the pot.

My advice would be start again and buy yourself a nice healthy phalaenopsis and enjoy it, it's alwys hard for a beginner to rescue a sick phal.

[diaphainein]

Thank you for the welcome and the reply.

Sigh. I was afraid of that. Orchids seem to be the one thing I can't get right; I've bought several over the years (at least this one was free) and killed every one of them. I either overwater or underwater. I keep lots of other types of plants; everything from African violets to finicky Gerber daisies (and lots of lillies in between) and they're all doing fantastic.

Boo!

Thank you again, I appreciate your reply!

[Zoi2]

Hello and welcome.
I agree with en3rmax, your plant is a goner probably due to root and or crown rot. It's time to get a beautiful new healthy one.
Joann

[en3rmax]

The key to phals is not to over water or let them sit in water or to get water in the plants crown. I tend to repot as soon as i get a phal into some nice fresh media, i use fir bark, perlite, and foam mix in a clear pot with air holes, this allows you to keep a good eye on the roots. if the roots are green no water is needed if they are silvery this is the best time to water.

[diaphainein]

Thanks again! I've been browsing the "best orchids for beginners" thread and taking notes, so I think I may start over today.

I've already learned a lot, and it's only been an hour and a half since I joined!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Try Laelias instead.

They are tough as nails.

Here's a short list of them:

Laelia anceps
Laelia crispa
Laelia grandis
Laelia purpurata
Laelia speciosa
Laelia superbiens
Laelia tenebrosa

You may also want to consider, the following plants:

Anacheilum cochleata
Anacheilum fragrans
Anacheilum radiata

Another one would be:

Pollardia livida

Perhaps:

Epidendrum nocturnum

Maybe the following terrestrial orchids that can be grown like spring bulbs:

Bletilla formosa
Bletilla ochracea
Bletilla striata

Or:

Encyclia cordigera
Encyclia radicans
Encyclia tampensis

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

If you really like Phals, here's a very short list of easier Phals to start with:

Phalaenopsis equestris
Phalaenopsis x intermedia
Phalaenopsis x leucorrhoda
Phalaenopsis phillipinensis
Phalaenopsis schilleriana
Phalaenopsis stuartiana

These are still not the most forgiving orchids that are available in the trade, but they are the most forgiving Phalaenopsis available.

Some other Phal relatives you might want to consider starting with would be:

Doritis pulcherrhima

Sedirea japonica

Both Doritis and Sedirea are similar looking to Phals in vegetative growth habits and flowers; with Doritis flowers looking the closest to Phals of the two.

Again, if you're considering these, just know that they are not necessarily the most forgiving orchids available. But they are considered much easier to grow than the standard hybrid Phals due to the quality of the stock that is available. They can be grown by beginners in orchid growing with a fairly limited amount of experience.

Those who have not had success with orchids or those who are brand new to orchid growing should plan ahead when considering the above mentioned Phals and Phal relatives.